RB Matt Forte retires after a decade with Jets, Bears

After eight seasons with the Bears and two with the Jets, Matt Forte has announced his retirement from the NFL. Forte released a statement Wednesday to announce his decision and also to reflect on his career.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve been blessed to play professionally a game that I’ve loved since I was 6 years old,” Forte’s statement begins. “But, after much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to retire from the NFL. Like so many others before me, this game has enhanced my life in numerous ways. My career in the League has been nothing short of a miracle granted by God and put on display for His glory. I will cherish the many memories made on the field and the life-long friends I’ve made over the years in the locker room.”

Forte’s decision comes after an injury-riddled 2017 season in which he recorded career lows across the board statistically. Retirement or not, the Jets were poised to cut the 32-year-old Forte as a cap casualty. His retirement offers them the same savings — $3 million in cap space with $1 million in dead money.

Forte inked a three-year, $12 million contract with the Jets prior to the 2016 season. The deal gave him $9 million guaranteed.